Complaints as ‘armed tribal militias settle in Central Darfur camps’

The displaced inhabitants of Nazho camp in Bindisi locality, Central Darfur, are complaining about attacks, theft, and harassment by “armed tribal militiamen who have entered and settled in the camp”. The area was the scene of violent inter-tribal clashes between the Misseriya and Salamat during the last week of July. Pro-government forces were sent in to keep the warring tribes apart, but some armed groups are reported to be lingering in the area in the aftermath. A sheikh of the camp explained to Radio Dabanga that the militiamen frequently subject the displaced to threats and harassment. “They attack and rob the displaced at gunpoint, and often harass women and girls.” The sheikh said that while a complaint has been made to the local authorities, they seem powerless to disarm the militias or expel them from the camp.File photoRelated:  ‘Protect us or move us’: Central Darfur displaced (5 August 2013) ‘Unprecedented spread of militiamen’ around South Darfur camps (2 August 2013) Medical NGO workers’ salaries stolen in Central Darfur (30 July 2013)